Ken Johnson

37 POSTS
Ken Johnson is an Urban/Hip-Hop columnist for Barrett Media. Born and raised in Washington DC, his career experiences include serving as VP of Urban formats for Cumulus Media, holding the Director of Urban Programming post at ABC Radio Networks, and programming stations in Birmingham, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City. He has also managed affiliate relations for the Nick Cannon show, and worked as the Executive Producer of The Hughley Truth Podcast hosted by comedian DL Hughley. Ken currently runs Mean Ole Lion Media, a content creation company and podcast network. He can be reached by email at ken@kenjohnsonmedia.com.

Is Xania Monet’s Rise the Dark Side of AI for Urban Radio?

"What Xania Monet represents is not a soulless machine, but a new form of authorship. It is Black woman creativity meeting artificial intelligence, and together they are forcing a conversation about equity, control and imagination in the digital era"

Apps Are The Most Underrated Asset in Radio

"Owning this piece of your brand in the digital space elevates your personal brand, sharpens your digital skills, and future-proofs your career."

How the Passing of D’Angelo Brought Out the Best of Urban Radio

"These are the moments that build esteem for urban brands — the things that set us apart from other stations in the market"

Where R&B Radio Lives: Ranking the Top Cities That Shaped the Format

While I’ll admit this could be a bit subjective, since I haven’t lived or programmed in every city that I list in consideration, it’s still a fun debate.

Why There Is Nothing Like the Community of Urban Radio

"This business will teach you that the term friends can be used loosely"

Breaking

20 Brands In 20 Days: Brian Michel, KYGO & KOSI, Denver

"What you can't do is create for the community unless you really are part of it and have lived it."

The Industry According To: Frank Kramer, KLOS/Los Angeles

"As much as we have fun in our ridiculousness, the fact that our community comes together to support each other and we are that conduit gives the show and myself more purpose and satisfaction."

Why Netflix Can’t ‘Netflix’ The Field Of Dreams Game

"Netflix has spent its first MLB season attempting to prove it can create a live sports event that feels different. Now, it has an opportunity to prove it understands something equally important: Different doesn’t always mean more."

Why Ben & Woods’ Latest Extensions Could Be Their Grand Finale With 97.3 The Fan

"I got fifteen and a half years in San Diego doing morning radio. The last eight with Ben have been the most magical. Anything beyond that is just gravy for me. Honestly, if I had my way, this would be the last contract maybe."